HI HB2237

Authorizes the Department of Human Services to administer and provide general public assistance to Hawaii residents during a governor-declared state of emergency who cannot support themselves due to the emergency.

Eligibility requires bona fide state residency, a Social Security number or pending application, meeting department income criteria, and inability to engage in substantial gainful activity due to the declared emergency.

Monthly assistance payments cannot exceed the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit amount for Hawaii; recipients ages 18-65 must also be ineligible for federal SSI.

Allows the Department of Human Services to expend funds from the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund for emergency public assistance, with any expenditures to be reimbursed through federal funds or a general fund appropriation in the next legislative session.

Recipients who fail to comply with program requirements face disqualification for up to 12 months, and non-compliance by one adult member disqualifies the entire assistance unit.